A diamond engagement ring with a pear shaped center diamond

Diamond Buying Guide

A diamond engagement ring with a pear shaped center diamond

Diamond Buying Guide

Getting ready to buy a diamond? This is a big, exciting step.


There’s a lot to learn, but don’t worry, we’ve been helping people through this moment for nearly 100 years (and counting!). We’ll walk you through your options so you can choose what feels right for your style and budget.

Expert guidance from Your Friend & Jeweler: We’ve been experts in diamonds for nearly 100 years and counting. We source directly from trusted industry leaders we've partnered with for generations. Every diamond is hand-selected no matter the cut, carat, or grade, so your engagement ring is always the most beautiful.

What types of diamonds are there?

There are two types of diamonds: natural and lab-grown diamonds. At Shane Co., we offer both.


Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years beneath the earth’s surface, each one completely unique. Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that replicates that same process, offering a more modern approach.


Some people are drawn to the rarity and origin of natural diamonds. Others prefer the innovation and value of lab-grown. There’s no right or wrong, it’s about what matters most to you. Explore our wide diamond selection, including our exclusive collections.

Natural Diamonds

Earth’s rarest, most magical creation, formed over billions of years. No two are alike.

Learn More About Natural Diamonds

Natural Diamonds

Earth’s rarest, most magical creation, formed over billions of years. No two are alike.

Learn More About Natural Diamonds

A collection of loose lab grown diamonds of different shapes
A collection of loose lab grown diamonds of different shapes

Lab-Grown Diamonds

Created using the latest technology in our long-term partners’ carbon neutral labs.

Learn More About Lab-Grown Diamonds

Color Lab-Grown Diamonds

Specialty shades like pink, blue, yellow, and green, perfect for a colorful center stone.

Shop by Color

*Green lab-grown diamonds are only available in-store. To find a location or learn more, chat now.

*Green lab-grown diamonds are only available in-store. To find a location or learn more, chat now.

Four diamond engagement rings, each with a different color lab-grown center diamond

Color Lab-Grown Diamonds

Specialty shades like pink, blue, yellow, and green, perfect for a colorful center stone.

Shop by Color

*Green lab-grown diamonds are only available in-store. To find a location or learn more, chat now.

*Green lab-grown diamonds are only available in-store. To find a location or learn more, chat now.

Exclusive Shane Co. Collections

A diamond engagement ring with a Shane Classic oval center stone surrounded by two other loose Shane Classic diamonds

Shane Co. Exclusive

Shane Classic® Natural Diamonds

Diamonds cut to the most precise proportions for exceptional brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

See More

Shane Co. Exclusive

Shane Classic® Natural Diamonds

Diamonds cut to the most precise proportions for exceptional brilliance, fire, and scintillation.

See More

Shane Co. Exclusive

Stargazer Lab-Grown Diamonds

Created with a long-time diamond partner, these patented cuts feature extra facets and a bold starburst center for next-level sparkle.

See More

Shane Co. Exclusive

Stargazer Lab-Grown Diamonds

Created with a long-time diamond partner, these patented cuts feature extra facets and a bold starburst center for next-level sparkle.

See More

What diamond shapes can I choose from?

Once you’ve decided on the type of diamond, the next step is shape. This is where your personal style really comes through. Each shape reflects light differently and creates a different look on the hand, from classic brilliance to bold, architectural styles.


Here’s a simple way to think about it:

Traditional Classics

These shapes are the cornerstone of diamond fine jewelry, valued for their lasting appeal, steady demand, and timeless elegance.

Traditional Classics

These shapes are the cornerstone of diamond fine jewelry, valued for their lasting appeal, steady demand, and timeless elegance.

Modern Classics

These shapes have surged in popularity in recent years and are now considered staple choices, valued for their modern aesthetic, eye-catching sparkle, and ability to conceal inclusions.

Vintage-Inspired

These shapes are less commonly seen than others and are often appreciated for their bold, artistic expression and old-world charm, making them truly unique.

Vintage-Inspired

These shapes are less commonly seen than others and are often appreciated for their bold, artistic expression and old-world charm, making them truly unique.

At Shane Co., we help you explore shapes based on your style, so you can find one that feels like you the moment you see it.

Learn More About Diamond Shapes 

Which of the 4Cs should I prioritize?

The 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat are the standard way diamonds are graded and serve as a consistent framework for evaluating diamond quality, established by the GIA. Knowing what each one means can help you focus on what matters most to you. We recommend deciding which of the 4Cs to prioritize before you start shopping. It makes the process simpler and more personal.

CUT

An illustrated example of a diamond showing light reflection

The key to sparkle, influencing brilliance, fire, and overall light return.

COLOR

An illustrated example of a diamond showing variances of color range

How white or warm a diamond appears, often influenced by its setting.

CLARITY

An illustrated example of a diamond showing inclusions of clarity

A diamond’s natural inclusions, or lack thereof, most not visible to the eye.

CARAT WEIGHT

An illustrated example of a scale weighing two diamonds

A diamond’s weight. Larger stones create greater visual impact on the hand.

There’s no perfect combination, only the one that’s right for you. At Shane Co., we prioritize offering the highest quality across both natural and lab-grown diamonds, so every stone is beautiful within its grade.

Learn More About the 4Cs

Three diamond engagement rings with different shaped center stone diamonds

How much should I budget for an engagement ring?

You may have heard the “2-3 months’ salary” rule, but at Shane Co., we believe your budget is personal.


We’d never pressure you into a rule, you’re free to spend what feels right for you. Our goal is to help you find something beautiful that fits your style and your budget. We carry a wide range of diamonds in stock so every customer can find something they love, at any price point.


You also don’t have to spend your whole budget at once. We offer flexible financing through the Shane Co. Credit Card powered by Synchrony. And our Easy Trade-Up Program℠ makes it simple to trade in your diamond when you’re ready to go bigger or try a completely new style.

Learn How to Set Your Engagement Ring Budget

Three diamond engagement rings with different shaped center stone diamonds
A jewelry consultant showing a customer what a center stone would look like in an engagement ring setting

How does Shane Co. make this easy?

You don’t have to figure this out on your own.


Our jewelry experts are here to guide you through every step, whether you’re just starting to explore or narrowing down your final choice. You can chat with us online or visit us in-store, no appointments needed.


We’ll help you compare options, answer your questions, and make sure you feel excited about your decision. No pressure, just guidance from real non-commissioned jewelry experts.

A raw uncut diamond next to a finished cut round diamond

How are Shane Co. diamonds better?

We’ve been a family jeweler in the diamond business for almost 100 years and counting. Tom Shane, owner and third-generation jeweler, invented an unprecedented way of sourcing diamonds and offering them to customers. This is still how we do business today.


  • We get first pick: We source directly from trusted industry leaders we've partnered with for generations. They reserve the best stones just for us.
  • You get the best price possible: We negotiate on your behalf and pay our partners in cash, which means we don’t pay interest, so you don’t pay interest.
  • Widest selection: Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, you can trust that every single diamond has been hand-picked and vetted by our experts to be the most beautiful.


Plus, every engagement ring comes with our All-Inclusive Free Lifetime Warranty℠. It covers everything, including your center stone.


Our Easy Trade-Up Program℠ makes it simple to trade in your diamond when you’re ready to go bigger or try a completely new style.

A raw uncut diamond next to a finished cut round diamond

How are Shane Co. 

diamonds better?

We’ve been a family jeweler in the diamond business for almost 100 years and counting. Tom Shane, owner and third-generation jeweler, invented an unprecedented way of sourcing diamonds and offering them to customers. This is still how we do business today.


  • We get first pick: We source directly from trusted industry leaders we've partnered with for generations. They reserve the best stones just for us.
  • You get the best price possible: We negotiate on your behalf and pay our partners in cash, which means we don’t pay interest, so you don’t pay interest.
  • Widest selection: Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, you can trust that every single diamond has been hand-picked and vetted by our experts to be the most beautiful.


Plus, every engagement ring comes with our All-Inclusive Free Lifetime Warranty℠. It covers everything, including your center stone.


Our Easy Trade-Up Program℠ makes it simple to trade in your diamond when you’re ready to go bigger or try a completely new style.

Shop Natural Diamonds

Shop Lab-Grown Diamonds

FAQ

Why choose a diamond for an engagement ring?

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What if the answer is no?

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How can you tell if a diamond is real?

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What diamond should I get?

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Are natural and lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

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What diamond shape looks the biggest?

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Is buying a diamond a good investment?

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Is my budget too small to buy a diamond?

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What diamond terms should I know before buying a diamond?

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What is the Stargazer diamond cut?

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Are lab-grown diamonds the same as cubic zirconia or moissanite?

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Why choose Shane Co. for lab-grown diamonds?

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Can I upgrade a lab-grown diamond later?

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